A compromise in New Orleans. Although Drew Brees had reportedly been looking for a $100MM contract, he agreed to an extension that will keep with the Saints through the 2017 campaign. The deal is technically for five years, but will void after two, and will allow New Orleans to lower Brees’ 2016 
cap charge from $30MM down to a more manageable $17.25MM. Brees still wants to keep playing even after this current contract expires, and one report indicated he had his eyes on the Cardinals as a potential option down the line.
Another trade by the Eagles. General manger Howie Roseman has been extremely active in the trade market this offseason, and he added to his ledger by dealing cornerback Eric Rowe to the Patriots in exchange for a conditional 2018 fourth-round pick. Offensive lineman Josh Kline was originally thought to be part of the Eagles’ return as well, but he was ultimately waived by New England and then claimed by the Titans. The Eagles are also reportedly open to trading offensive lineman, including interior options Stefen Wisniewski and Josh Andrews.
Injuries strike early. Sunday Night Football hasn’t even started yet, and already injuries have taken their toll. The Chargers are likely to be without wide receiver Keenan Allen for the season after he suffered what is believed to be a torn ACL today. Allen, 24, missed half of the 2015 campaign after lacerating his kidney. Meanwhile, Texans linebacker Brian Cushing tore his MCL against the Bears today, and there are differing reports about how long he will be sidelined.
Extensions roll in. Most teams aren’t comfortable negotiating once the season begins, so a bunch of clubs worked out extensions last week in advance of the 2015 campaign. The two biggest names were Broncos WR Emmanuel Sanders (three years, $33MM) and Steelers 
G David DeCastro (five years, $50MM), but a number of other players scored long-term deals as well. Tank Carradine (link), Theo Riddick (link), Rob Ninkovich (link), and Joe Berger (link) received new contracts, as did specialists Sam Martin (link) and Caleb Sturgis (link).
Tebow knows. Tim Tebow is now officially a professional baseball player, as he agreed to a minor league deal with the New York Mets. “This isn’t about publicity,” Tebow said. “It’s definitely not about money. I took a pay cut to do this. For me, you pursue what you love regardless of what else happens.” PFR’s Zach Links joined the conference call with Tebow and Mets GM Sandy Alderson following the signing.
Photos courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.